Betty (Helmet album)


Betty is the third album by Helmet, released in 1994 on Interscope. The album was highly anticipated by both music critics and fans as a result of the band's success with the previous album, Meantime.
Rob Echeverria replaced Peter Mengede on guitar. It is Helmet's highest charting album in the U.S. After recording and touring in support of the album, Echeverria left Helmet in 1995 to join Biohazard; however, his departure was more amicable than Mengede's.
Prior to Bettys release in June 1994, the album's biggest hit, "Milquetoast", appeared in alternate form on The Crow soundtrack as "Milktoast." Its video was in regular rotation on MTV, and videos for "Wilma's Rainbow" and "Biscuits For Smut" were also released.

Musical style

Usually regarded as Helmet's experimental album, it features a broader approach with forays into jazz and blues. Hamilton said, "Those things were my indulgences. I tried to force the music in different directions. I know a lot of fans were disappointed, but I think it's important to try to grow musically." Helmet's sonic trademarks of crunching riffs and pounding drums still define the album. Betty, along with Meantime and Aftertaste, is considered a definitive influence in post-metal.

Recording and production

Helmet entered the studio in the fall of 1993 with producer T-RAY to record the follow-up to its 1992 record Meantime. Writing and recording sessions took place at Soundtrack, Power Station, and Sound on Sound in New York City.

Release and reception

Betty was released on June 21, 1994, and peaked at number 45 on the Billboard 200 album chart, making it Helmet's highest ranking album so far.

Track listing

Amphetamine Reptile track listing

The album was issued on vinyl in two-disc 10" format; this version included additional tracks "Flushings," "Thick," and "Pariah," and omits "Sam Hell."
A limited edition CD was released with a blue jewel case and five extra live tracks recorded July 30, 1994, in Los Angeles. The live tracks are "Sinatra," "FBLA II," "Tic," "Just Another Victim," and "In the Meantime."
In 2010 a 19 track digital only reissue of Betty was released. It included the bonus tracks: "Flushings," "Thick," "Pariah," "Biscuits for Smut " and "Biscuits for Smut."

Chart performance

ChartPeak
Swedish Album Chart13
Ö3 Austria Top 4018
Australian Album Chart23
Swiss Album Chart32
UK Albums Chart38
New Zealand Chart43
Billboard 20045
Dutch Album Charts71

SingleChart Position
"Milquetoast"US Mainstream Rock Tracks39

Personnel

Credits taken from the CD liner notes.

Helmet